Determinants of technical efficiency in beef cattle production in Kenya

Otieno, David, Hubbard, Lionel and Ruto, Eric (2012) Determinants of technical efficiency in beef cattle production in Kenya. In: International Association of Agricultural Economists Conference, 18-24th August 2012, Brazil.

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Item Type:Conference or Workshop contribution (Paper)
Item Status:Live Archive

Abstract

The stochastic metafrontier method is applied to estimate technical efficiency levels in beef cattle production in Kenya. Subsequently, a Tobit model is used to assess factors that might influence efficiency. Results show that the average efficiency level is 0.69, suggesting that there is considerable scope to improve beef production in Kenya. Considering the importance of the livestock enterprise to rural livelihoods and its potential role in poverty reduction, there is need for appropriate development strategies for enhanced efficiency. In particular, livestock development policies should focus on provision of technology-related services. For instance, promoting use of controlled cattle crossbreeding methods would enhance productivity gains. Effective institutional support is also necessary in order to improve efficiency, including improved access to market contracts, better farm management skills and off-farm income opportunities.

Keywords:Technical efficiency determinants, Beef production, Kenya
Subjects:L Social studies > L112 Agricultural Economics
Divisions:College of Social Science
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ID Code:15085
Deposited On:28 Sep 2014 19:31

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